Real beat Bayern today in a clash of the mediocre titans. I watched online at uefa.com, which, if the stream quality improves, would be the greatest thing ever. It was a 3-2 game, so there was plenty of excitement, but the play was not precise. Neither team looks a threat to win it all. I'm the joker who predicted Shevchenko would have big season in the EPL, though, so don't bet the house on any of my forecasts.

I 've only seen the extended highlights (10 minutes of highlights on uefa.com) of Arsenal-PSV, but it looks like yet another instance of Arsenal outplaying its opponent yet losing.

Tomorrow's the big one: Liverpool-Barca. I'll say it again -- I think Gerrard will outplay Ronnie, even if the Reds fall. The write-up won't come until late Wednesday, because I'll have to watch the match online after work.

FF